Benefit of learning Latin

I began studying a new language, Latin, since beginning of this year. Now that about three months have passed, I have came close to completing the first course level in Latin. I find myself with noticeable growth in level of literacy, in contrary to that of Japanese I tried to acquire over last year. After, somewhat I would call, a failure with Japanese language last year, I have come to a realization that in this global world, the only language a person needs is really just English. But learning just English language itself is not only boring but I do not see it as being cost-effective in timely manner. Therefore, the language I have chosen was Latin, although many people refer to it, as a dead language. Here are some of the causes I would like to share.

English is the most widely spoken language these days, and it will continue to be in next decades. Though English language is mainly based on Germanic roots, it also contains considerable amount of vocabularies derived from Latin through medieval French. As I get more acquainted with highly intellectual communications and continue to seek for higher learning opportunities, I will need to build up a strong foundation in English language. I see this as a great start for it.

As quoted by Dorothy Sayers in the National Review, "...even a rudimentary knowledge of Latin cuts down the labor and pains of learning almost any other subject by at least 50 percent," Latin has strong correlations with broad range of other studies. In the areas of music, medicine, law or science, most of which had made substantial progress in the ages of Roman republic and empire, almost all pedagogical terms are defined in Latin words and still being used widely in modern days. Moreover, number of Latin-based languages including Spanish, French, Portuguese and Italian, cover vast proportion in world population and regions. Once I get comfortable with Latin, I will easily be able to acquire any of these languages in matter of time. Plus, descendants of Roman republic, namely Italian and Spanish females, are hot!! which further strengthens my motivation:)